53 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest position regarding the proposed appointment of an Irish honorary consul in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25498/99]

A formal note requesting the approval of the Pakistani authorities for the appointment of Mr. Hasib Ahsan as honorary consul of Ireland in Karachi was sent by the Irish Embassy in Tehran to the Pakistani Embassy there on 6 October 1999. A response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is expected shortly. Because a number of authorities have to be consulted, it is normal practice in all countries that responses to such requests take several months.